The Federal Government Has Persistently Denied
The Niger Deltans The National Economic Cake Provider
– Comrade Mike J.K. Tiemo
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI
Comrade Mike J. K. Tiemo, The National President of Peace Development Security and Humanitarian Rights Association of Niger Deltans, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the Federal Government’s persistent and deliberate denial of the rights and core development entitlements of the Niger Delta people who are the national cake providers.
Speaking , in a Press conference organized in Warri Delta State to shed more light on the issue of the neglect of the Niger Delta,Comrade Mike Tiemo lamented that despite the immense contributions of the Niger Delta to the national economy through crude oil and gas production, the region continues to suffer gross neglect and abandonment from successive administrations.
According to him, key grievances of the Niger Delta people include:
1. Non-Payment of Gas Flare Compensation:
The Federal Government has consistently failed to facilitate the payment of compensation for the environmental pollution and harmful effects of gas flaring, which has devastated communities and endangered lives in the Niger Delta region for decades. The group asserted that the Federal Government should scale up efforts to convert the gas to domestic for industrial use by establishing facilities with the Liquified Natural Gas Resources.
2. The Controversial 3% PIA Allocation:
The allocation of a meager 3% to host communities in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is viewed as a calculated denial of rightful benefits to the indigenous people, of the Niger Delta who bear the brunt of oil exploration and
it is tantamount to the total denial of the heir apparents of the region. The Group therefore demanded for twenty percent instead of the pitiable 3 percent as currently enacted and allocated in the PIA.
3. Neglect of Resource Control Demands:
The issue of resource control, a long-standing agitation of the Niger Delta people, remains unaddressed. Comrade Mike Tiemo stressed that until true federalism and resource control are implemented, the region will continue to suffer systemic injustice. This can lead to more acute problems
in the future generation.
4. Modular Refineries Still a Dream as a remedy to subsidy removal.
Despite the pronouncement by former Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo regarding the establishment of modular refineries, nothing tangible has been done. This failure has dashed the hopes of thousands of Niger Delta youths who expected job creation through such initiatives. The Group called for immediate establishment of at least 100 community based modular refineries both government owned and private ownership . They urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release license to interested investors at moderate rate.
5. 13% Derivation Fund Release and Management:
Comrade Mike Tiemo The Group National President noted that the 13% derivation fund, meant for the oil Producing Communities should be released promptly with fairness to make positive impact on the core oil Producing Communities.
6. Lack of Inclusion in Tinubu’s Coastal Road Project:
He criticized the Federal Government for failing to assign individual contractors to resume work in Rivers State, Bayelsa States, Ondo State, Delta State, at the same time in the execution of the Coastal Road Project, thereby sidelining and neglecting the region once again. Comrade Mike JK TIEMO called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately direct the Hon Minister of Works Chief David Umahi as a matter of urgency to actualize the project in record time within the life span of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The Niger Deltan Humanitarian Group Demanded rotational and zoning of the Presidency of the Federal Government Within the six geopolitical zones of the country in the spirit of fairness equity and Justice in future dispensation.
.The arrangement is such that only the Particular zone concerns will be eligible to contest and Produce the President for the Country. This method will be cost effective and ensure fair play.
7. Abandonment of Niger Delta Coastal Road Master Plan:
The once-touted Niger Delta Coastal Road Master Plan has been left to rot, there by further isolating several oil-producing communities from economic opportunities and development. Comrade Mike Tiemo called for immediate action on the Master plan Road project for the Niger Delta which is fundamental for the progress of the region.
8. Unresolved 2011 Bonga Oil Spill Compensation:
The catastrophic Bonga oil spill of 2011, regarded as one of the worst in Nigeria’s history, since 1958 which led to significant environmental damage and casualties. Yet, compensation to affected communities remains unpaid. Comrade Mike Tiemo accused the Federal Government of failing to hold Shell accountable or intervene to ensure justice is served to the affected communities and victims who are inhabitants of the Niger Delta Region.
9. Neglect of Egbema Road Project:
The Udo–lnikorogha–Ofunama Road in Edo State and a bridge construction of road to Ogbeinbiri and Ogbudubudu Communities of Egbema Kingdom in Delta State. He emphasized that the roads aforementioned , remains in deplorable condition. According to him despite the historical and economic importance, our road has been left un tarred, cutting off oil-producing communities from civilization in this digital age for over 400 years and it is our only road.
He urged and appealed to the federal government to direct the federal Ministry of Works, NDDC, etc to commence work on
the roads aforementioned because it will boost economic activities and enhance connectivity to the riverine Communities Ondo and Ogum State communities
He called on Her Excellency, Senator Remi Tinubu, the Senate President His Excellency, DR God’swill Akpabio, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the the Federal Capital Territory,Hon Chief Heineken Lokpobiri, Hon Chief Festus Keyamo, SAN as Niger Deltans to prevail on Mr President to address the challenges of the Niger Deltans before the next election in 2025
Comrade Mike Tiemo concluded by calling on President Bola Tinubu and relevant federal agencies to show genuine commitment to the development of the Niger Delta, stressing that peace and stability in the region cannot be guaranteed without justice, fairness, and inclusive development.
